Dr. Donya Ball is transformative superintendent, renowned for her leadership expertise, keynote speaking, and executive coaching. Author of Adjusting the Sails (2022) and Against the Wind (2023), she captivates audiences and readers globally for her thought leadership, including her TedXTalk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here's the cure."
This is the first article in a three-part series expanded from Dr. Donya Ball's 2024 TEDx Talk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here's the cure." Each installment explores a critical element of leadership, consistency, empathy, and authenticity that serves as the foundation for overcoming today’s leadership challenges.
Let’s face it: many of us have encountered leaders who say things like, “I’ll let my team figure this out on their own” one day, only to micromanage every detail the next. These words and behaviors don’t inspire confidence or collaboration; instead, they highlight why we’re facing a profound leadership crisis across all sectors. Toxic leadership traits, including inconsistency, are major contributors to dysfunction and high employee turnover rates. Research supports this. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that inconsistent leadership behaviors negatively impact employee engagement and retention.
Why consistency matters in leadership
Consistency in leadership builds trust, fosters stability, and provides clear direction for teams. Research consistently shows that effective leadership behaviors positively impact team performance and satisfaction. For example, a comprehensive review in PLOS ONE discusses how engaging leadership significantly affects employee work engagement. When leaders are consistent, employees know what to expect, reducing workplace stress and promoting a cohesive work environment.
Conditioning the brain to build mental stamina
Consider a chef who perfects the same signature dish hundreds of times to ensure it’s flawless when served to a critic. Or a professional athlete who practices the same movement or technique daily to achieve peak performance during competition.
Leadership requires similar conditioning. The brain thrives on consistency and routine to build resilience. According to a 2023 study published in Nature Communications, cognitive training that incorporates structured problem-solving and memory exercises enhances brain connectivity and plasticity. This directly impacts an individual's ability to remain composed under pressure. Without this mental stamina, leaders are more likely to falter when adversity arises. Great leaders, however, don’t falter; they rely on the resilience cultivated through consistent, intentional mental conditioning.
Actionable steps to cultivate consistency
Consistency in leadership doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort and daily practice. Leaders who prioritize consistency create stability and inspire trust in their teams. Here are three actionable strategies you can implement to cultivate consistency in your leadership approach.
Set a low-risk, high-challenge personal goal
Engaging in daily practice and regularly challenging yourself in small, manageable ways helps build the resilience needed to thrive under pressure. Whether it’s learning a new skill, solving a complex problem, or participating in physical activity, consistent efforts strengthen your ability to lead with composure and clarity. A 2023 study in the International Journal of Organizational Analysis found that individuals who engaged in consistent, reflective practices and adopted rational thinking styles were significantly better at managing conflicts in organizational settings. 10 Proven Strategies For Setting Realistic Goals and Staying on Track
Reframe setbacks
Setbacks build endurance for future challenges. For instance, if you miss a day as part of your long-term goal to complete 100 days of physical activity, pick back up the next day by doubling up on exercises. Research shows that leaders who frame failures as growth opportunities build stronger trust with their teams. A 2022 study in the Journal of Business Ethics emphasized that transformational leadership behaviors, including reframing challenges as growth opportunities, significantly enhanced team trust and credibility over time.
Commit to continuous improvement
Adopt a mindset of lifelong learning to remain steady in the face of changing demands. This includes participating in leadership development programs, staying updated on industry trends, and fostering a growth-oriented culture within your team. Leaders who embrace the mindset, “I always have more to learn,” enhance their capabilities and inspire their teams to adopt continuous improvement. By modeling this mindset, leaders create an environment where curiosity and growth are valued, fostering innovation and resilience across the organization.
Consistent leadership in action
Consider a tech startup CEO who implemented daily team check-ins during a period of rapid growth. By consistently communicating goals, expectations, and progress updates, the CEO created a transparent and stable environment. A 2019 study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that effective communication strategies, including regular team meetings, are associated with improved employee well-being and reduced turnover intentions.
In a larger organization, a multinational corporation faced challenges with inconsistent leadership across regional offices. The CEO introduced a standardized leadership framework, requiring all regional managers to hold weekly alignment meetings with their teams. This consistent approach ensured that employees across all locations received the same clarity and direction. Research from McKinsey & Company highlights that operational excellence, driven by consistent leadership and clear communication, significantly improves productivity and employee engagement.
In a school district, leadership faced challenges with staff turnover and disengagement due to inconsistent communication and unclear expectations. The superintendent implemented a staff engagement framework that included regular weekly check-ins with teachers, clear performance metrics, and consistent recognition of accomplishments. According to a 2022 article in Educational Leadership, districts that prioritize structured communication and staff recognition see improved teacher retention rates and higher overall staff morale.
The impact of consistency
By meeting personal goals through daily habits, leaders condition their brains to build the resilience needed to overcome adversity on the job. Whether it’s maintaining a fitness routine, mastering a skill, or practicing mindfulness, these consistent practices off the job foster the mental stamina required to lead effectively in high-pressure situations.
Consistent leadership also fosters a culture of reliability and accountability, making it easier for organizations to navigate challenges and achieve long-term success. Great leadership starts with consistency. By embracing daily habits to build resilience and committing to steady improvement, leaders not only strengthen their ability to overcome challenges but also model the steady, reliable behaviors their teams need.
These consistent practices lay the groundwork for a thriving, motivated organization that can weather adversity with confidence and clarity. As we explore this leadership series, stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the power of empathetic leadership in transforming workplace cultures.
Dr. Donya Ball, Leadership Expert, Motivational Speaker & Author
Dr. Donya Ball is a renowned keynote speaker, transformative superintendent, and passionate author. With over two decades of experience, she also serves as a professor and executive coach, mentoring and guiding aspiring and seasoned leaders. She has authored two impactful books, Adjusting the Sails (2022) and Against the Wind (2023), which address real-world leadership challenges. Her expertise has garnered national attention from media outlets like USA Today and MSN. Dr. Ball’s TEDxTalk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here’s the cure," further highlights her thought leadership.
